Parque Internacional El Imposible - Is aptly named, since it is almost impossible to get to. It sits on the far western corner of the country, on the border with Guatemala. Prior written permission is needed to enter the park. Many endangered species are protected here such as wild boar, puma, king hawk, and black crested eagle. There are some hiking trails but conditions can get muddy in the rainy season (March-September).
Cerro Verde - About an hour west of San Salvador, this beautiful forest area has access to the surrounding volcanoes and affords opportunities for some interesting half day hikes. The park is on top of a volcano. Go early on a clear day, bring a sweater and anything else you need for a day’s hiking.
Parque Nacional Montecristo – Located on the northern point of El Salvador, on the border with Guatemala and Honduras, this park contains lots of exotic plant life due to the high humidity. Animal and bird life abound as well. There are a few hiking trails but you cannot walk into the park. You will need either a truck or a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get in.
National Parks
El Salvador’s three notable national parks are in the western half of the country, two of which are almost inaccessible:
link: El Imposible
Izalco Volcano seen from the top of Cerro Verde (Green Mountain).
View of Lago de Coatepeque from Cerro Verde
link: SalvaNATURA
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link: Parque Montecristo